TRAVEL – Enjoy cultural, sporting and arts events in Larnaka

As temperatures drop in Larnaka comes alive in autumn with a vibrant array of events that celebrate tradition, culture and arts in the region. Here some of the highlights starting this week:

Biennale – October – 24^th November

This is Larnaka’s largest art event that takes place every two years with an eclectic programme of events including exhibitions at museums and galleries; cultural events; cinema screenings; workshops; lectures; installations, and much more. The theme for 2023 asks the question: ‘What is it that constitutes a home, beyond just bricks and mortar?’ Click here for more info. 

Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon – 19^th November 

Larnaka’s official marathon takes place along a pretty coastal route starting at the main promenade (Foinikoudes) and passing through the city’s landmarks, including its famous salt lakes and ancient ruins. This event attracts thousands of runners from nearly 100 countries with races suitable for all levels of runner, and there is still time to register. Click here for more info. 

Lefkara ‘Christmas Village’ – 25^th November – 14^th January 2024  

Visitors to Larnaka over the festive season can head up to Lefkara village to enjoy an array of festive and traditional stalls, entertainment, food and drink, children’s activities and workshops – all set against a mountain backdrop. Lefkaka is one of seven beautiful traditional villages and towns in Cyprus putting on their finest festive attire to spread the Christmas spirit. Find out more here.  

Tasty traditions from the rural women of Larnaka

The ‘Women’s Association of Rural Larnaka’ (WARL) is the heart and soul of gastronomic tradition in the Larnaka region, preserving and promoting the local customs, products and recipes for generations to come. A programme of free workshops runs up until the end of November, which includes traditional workshops by WARL members. For more info and to book, click here. There are also plenty of other WARL events taking place throughout the year, including local producer markets, cookery workshops and festivals. For more info, click here.

Take to the open road with eight ‘Larnaka thematic cycling routes’

Larnaka region is fast becoming the cyclist’s destination thanks to a variety of factors, including its optimum climate, beautiful scenery and varied and challenging terrain.  A key figure in enhancing the cycling experience is Mike Hadjioannou, founder of Activate Cyprus who provides cyclists with a one-stop-shop for cycling tours and participation in many prestigious competitions and events.

Mike says new opportunities are enabling more people to enjoy cycling: “Whilst all the tours we offer – road, mountain and gravel biking – remain popular, the latest increase in requests is for e-bikes because it’s much easier for amateur cyclists of all fitness levels to cover a greater distance on them without tiring, allowing them to experience more attractions and sights on a bike than they would normally do.” Find out about Activate Cyprus bike tours here. 

The Larnaka region also offers cyclists eight ‘Larnaka Thematic Cycling Routes’ that combine cycling with sightseeing, an ideal autumn activity to discover the Larnaka region on two wheels. Find the eight routes with downloadable pdf leaflets here. 

For more information on all these autumn activities and events and more, click here.

For tourist information from the Larnaka Tourism Board, visit www.larnakaregion.com